Metformin may shield aging muscles from inactivity

NCT ID NCT03107884

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: University of Utah Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This early-phase trial tests whether metformin, a widely used diabetes drug, can prevent muscle loss and insulin resistance in healthy older adults during five days of bed rest. Researchers will measure changes in muscle size and insulin sensitivity. The study involves 64 participants aged 60 and older at the University of Utah.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Metformin (an oral diabetes drug)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to protect muscle health in older adults during periods of inactivity, like bed rest.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-phase study (64 people) testing a short-term effect. Results may not apply to real-world aging or long-term use, and metformin can cause stomach upset.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Insulin Resistance muscular atrophy

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

INSULIN RESISTANCE MUSCLE ATROPHY

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108, United States

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